4 Conditions Medical Cannabis Can Help as an Alternative to Traditional Medication

The medicinal properties of medical cannabis have received greater acknowledgment in recent years, and many people are beginning to use the potent plant in place of traditional medicine. Where prescription drugs failed, there have been incredible stories of people using medical cannabis to alleviate their symptoms without suffering from painful side-effects or exorbitant costs.

Each state has its own list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. A person must meet the diagnostic criteria in their state and receive a prescription from a licensed physician to begin taking cannabis as medicine. Below are four health conditions that demonstrate a positive response to medical marijuana.

Multiple Sclerosis

Learning to live with MS is difficult; the disease ranges in severity but affects both the spinal cord and brain, resulting in trouble with balance and coordination. Involuntary muscle spasms, chronic pain and tingling and even vision problems can result from the disorder.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports several studies that found medical cannabis reduced muscle spasms and pain. However, cognitive function was decreased in two studies.

Arthritis

More than 31 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Research has shown that medical cannabis may reduce pain and inflammation as well as modulate bone strength and growth. People have also reported improvement in symptoms from cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Recent research suggests that CBD may be an effective pain management treatment for arthritis, though it has not yet been confirmed as an approved treatment by the Food and Drug Administration.

Epilepsy

Patients with epilepsy may be able to take the cannabinoid medicine, Epiliodex. The medication is designed to treat epileptic seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.

Epiliodex is the only FDA-Approved prescription cannabidiol (CBD). While it’s not definitive, numerous laboratory studies and clinical research studies have found that medical cannabis can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in both children and adults with epilepsy.

Pain Management

The use of cannabis in alternative medicine dates back thousands of years, but its widespread approval is still hotly debated today. While there are many people in favor of its total legalization, greater research is needed to understand the true reach of its impact and use in a variety of different medical conditions.

If you do not qualify for prescription cannabis, speak with your doctor about additional alternative remedies. Pain management is a diverse field, and there are still many options to consider as a substitute to traditional medicine.